Birmingham Airport achieves most waste efficient year ever

Image courtesy BHX

Year on year, the airport’s recycling rate for main terminal waste was 76%, the highest annual figure to date. Last year, BHX became the first airport worldwide to implement a Mobile Segregation Unit (MSU) to help sustainably process waste: an innovative solution that has helped prevent over 1,200 tonnes of waste from becoming non-recyclable general waste.

The unit facilitates a targeted data-driven approach to waste management and has supported the airport in significantly exceeding its previous strategic commitment of recycling 65% of waste. As a result of the system, the airport’s recycling rate is on track to be one of the highest amongst UK airports.

In addition to recycling, the MSU also supports the reuse and donation of certain items that are left by customers. From pushchairs to toiletries, 36.2 tonnes of items were donated in the same period to local charities including Let’s Feed Brum, Tots in Need and St Basils.

Commenting on the record year, Tom Denton, Head of Sustainability, at Birmingham Airport said:“We’ve seen some significant improvements in waste efficiency since we implemented the innovative MSU, in partnership with The Green Block and Bidvest Noonan, in March last year.

Achieving a 20% increase in the Airport’s recycling rate in just one year is illustrative of the impact that the unit has had in reducing our environmental impact. Today on Global Recycling Day we are extremely proud to have one of the highest recycling rates amongst UK airports.

As the world marks Global Recycling Day, Birmingham Airport is also urging customers to think about what items they are travelling with, particularly through security, to reduce waste. Whilst the majority of items are repurposed, there are some that cannot be. So, it is important to consider what items are permitted when travelling to help reduce waste.
 
Security
Nearly all of the items that Birmingham Airport donate to charities are non-permitted hand luggage items that it must dispose of. Waste can be reduced by only carrying items through security that are in adherence to governmental guidelines. Each liquid item (including the container size) must not be more than 100ml. You cannot take any unprescribed over the counter creams, pastes or gels such as eczema cream, cough medicine, nappy rash cream, that are over 100ml in capacity.
Reusable Drinks Bottles
Birmingham Airport recycles a significant amount of single use drinks bottles (containing liquids) that are not able to be carried in hand luggage. Consider reducing plastic waste by travelling with a reusable water bottle, which must be emptied before approaching security but refilled at one of its free water stations. The airport also has several water vending machines where customers can purchase a Chilly’s water bottle, a fully sustainable drinks container made of 90% recycled stainless steel.
Luggage Point
Unclaimed customer items also add to Birmingham Airport’s waste. If you’ve lost a personal item or belonging at Birmingham Airport, then contact Luggage Point, Birmingham Airport’s lost property service. Luggage Point provides a live digital search service for all lost items on their website.